Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through your home during the holiday season. These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to any festive gathering. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are packed with flavor and adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. They’re sweet, buttery, and guaranteed to disappear quickly, so get ready to spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- ½ cup colored sprinkles or sugar crystals for decoration
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, then set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, causing a comforting aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just blended. Remember, don’t overmix here; you want to preserve that tender texture!
- Using a rounded teaspoon, drop mounds of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, ensuring there’s enough space between each mound for spreading.
- Flatten each mound slightly with your fingers and top generously with colorful sprinkles or sparkling sugar for that extra festive touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and inviting.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra special touch, try adding a mix of seasonal spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week, but I promise they won’t last that long! You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for a last-minute baking option.
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results. This will help achieve a fluffy mixture that incorporates air, resulting in lighter cookies. Additionally, ensure you measure your flour correctly by fluffing it first and spooning it into your measuring cup rather than packing it down, which can result in dense cookies.
FAQ
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes! You can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute to maintain moisture and acidity.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges will be lightly golden, and the centers might look a little underbaked, which is perfect since they’ll continue to cook slightly while cooling.
Conclusion
These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home. With their delightful blend of flavors and soft, inviting texture, they’re perfect for sharing or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and delicious treats!